Air Force to provide funeral honors to Ashli Babbitt

The U.S. Air Force has decided to provide Ashli Babbitt, who was killed during the January 6 Capitol riot, with military funeral honors, reversing a previous decision made under the Biden administration. This change comes after the Air Force had initially denied her family’s request for such honors in 2021, citing the circumstances surrounding her death. The reversal was revealed by Judicial Watch, a conservative legal group that has represented Babbitt’s family.

On August 15, Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier sent a letter to Babbitt’s family acknowledging that her initial request for funeral honors was denied in a letter from February 2021. However, after reviewing additional information and the circumstances of Babbitt’s death, Lohmeier stated that the prior decision was “incorrect.” He also expressed condolences and invited Babbitt’s mother and husband to meet with him at the Pentagon.

Ashli Babbitt, a former Air Force veteran, was fatally shot by law enforcement during the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, as she attempted to breach a barricaded door near the Speaker’s lobby in the House chamber. Following the incident, an Air Force official under President Biden informed Babbitt’s family that military funeral honors were being withheld due to the “circumstances” surrounding her death, with an Air Force lieutenant general, Brian Kelly, stating that such honors could “bring discredit upon the Air Force.”

Military funeral honors typically include a detail of at least two service members, one from the deceased’s branch of service, as well as a ceremony featuring the playing of taps and the presentation of the American flag to the next of kin, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton expressed gratitude on behalf of Babbitt’s family for the reversal, crediting figures like President Trump, Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Under Secretary Lohmeier for overturning the previous denial. In addition, Babbitt’s family reached a nearly $5 million settlement with the government in May.

This decision aligns with broader efforts by the Trump administration to challenge the Biden administration’s actions regarding those involved in the January 6th riot. For instance, President Trump pardoned many of the rioters on his first day back in office, and his administration also removed several prosecutors working on criminal cases related to the attack.

The Air Force did not provide further comment when asked about the decision.

Source: THE HILL